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NEWS: Marketers concerned about lack of skills development

Eighty-two per cent of senior marketers believe one of the main challenges they will face this year is an employee skill shortage, according to a study by Hays.

Despite this, 70 per cent of employees are concerned that their existing skill base may become disregarded by their company in the future.

The findings, taken from Hays’ The Capability Gap 2015 report, revealed the main barrier preventing employees from developing their skills is restricted training budgets (58 per cent).

Other stumbling blocks included prioritising development over day-to-day activity (48 per cent) and shortcomings of professional development provision (29 per cent).

Alarmingly, 18 per cent of respondents were aware of a skills shortage, but admit they are unlikely to do anything about it.

Clare Kemsley, MD at Hays Marketing, commented: “The ever-evolving role of a marketing professional requires the best talent to continuously adapt and update their skill sets, but despite concerns from employers around skills shortages, particularly in commercial awareness and digital skills, many employees are failing to act.

“By investing time in developing these skill areas employees can clearly stand out from their peers both within their organisation and with potential new employers, too. It is clear, however, that employers can do more to help arm their teams with the skills they need to future proof their organisation and prevent employees from looking elsewhere for these resources.”